Adriaan Wildschutt shines again, breaking SA 10km record in Gqeberha

Long-distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt continued to break new ground, shattering the South African 10km record at the Absa Run Your City race in Gqeberha on Sunday.

Wildschutt, who is based in the United States, made a rare appearance on the road on home soil.

And after predicting that he would set a new national mark, he delivered in style, charging to victory in 27:28.

He chopped seven seconds off the SA record of 27:35 set by Precious Mashele at the same race in Gqeberha in 2023.

‘It was a real fight’

Wildschutt added the 10km mark to the national records he already holds over 3 000m (7:32.99), 5 000m (12:55.02) and 10 000m (26:50.64) on the track.

“Over the last three or four kays I knew it was going to be a real fight, but I also wanted the win so bad and I had a guy with me, so I made a big surge at 3km and again at 6km and I knew it was going to cost me a lot in the last 3km,” Wildschutt said afterwards.

“I just kept pushing against the wind and I was watching the clock, and the closer I got the more I realised that it might be right there, so I pushed hard over the last 500 metres, and I’m so happy I was able to pull it off.”

Other results

The 26-year-old athlete finished 21 seconds clear of Kenyan Vincent Kipkorir, who took second place in Gqeberha in 27:49.

Kabelo Mulaudzi also dipped under 28 minutes, hanging on to finish third in 27:59.

In the women’s race, national record holder Glenrose Xaba was the top South African finisher, taking third place in 31:56.

Kenya’s Jane Chacha took the win in 31:45, with Selam Gebre of Ethiopia grabbing the runner-up spot in 31:50.

In fifth place, Lebo Phalula broke her own SA women’s record in the veterans (40-49) age group, clocking 32:38.